China´s top advisory and supervisory body opens annual session

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-03-2008 17:39

China's top advisory and supervisory body opened its annual session today.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or the CPPCC, is part of China's political system of socialist democratic politics. Paying close attention to the people's wellbeing tops the list of priorities for members serving the new five-year term of the 11TH National Committee of the CPPCC.

Beijing in March a stage for the nation's think tanks to talk.

CPPCC member Liu Weiwei said, "Aside from economic growth, China should attach importance to cultural development."

CPPCC member Liu Min said, "I think the government should pay more attention to educational reforms. "

CPPCC member Wang Xianma said, "The country should offer favorable policies to develop its western regions. "

CPPCC member Jiang Zehui said, " My proposal is for the administration to set up an emergency system for disasters.”

But just how important are their opinions to the policy makers?

CPPCC member Zhu Liehan said, "Our proposals have helped to improve government work, and this system is a good example of the way a people-oriented government should work."

CPPCC member Cai Xiaohong said, " Some of our proposals have not yet been taken into consideration. They need to be considered soon. "

This is democracy evolving in China. People no longer speak with one voice. The CPPCC debates issues before policy decisions are made. It's also an incubator for new ideas and proposals.